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AIBU

We are NOT ‘you guys’

(156 Posts)
GinJeannie Wed 07-Aug-19 15:08:09

AIBU in absolutely hating being referred to as ‘you guys’? DH and myself really resent being called this. It’s bad enough when staff in shops, hotels, etc use this awful phrase but now I’ve had a text from DD using it. We are her parents, Mum and Dad, a family nickname even, all highly preferable to this. I replied with a request to please not use that phrase for us and did at least get a thumbs up emoji by return! Be interested to hear what other GN feel!

Avor2 Thu 08-Aug-19 15:19:18

I also have it. Took my mum out for lunch and was asked 'what would you guys like?' Mum was 91 she is NOT a guy, mentioned this to him and he changed to calling us' ladies' which was much nicer ( and no we didn't feel like he was calling us a toilet ).

Dee1012 Thu 08-Aug-19 15:19:59

I'm originally from the North West and like many, am quite used to be called "love".
Now in the North East, over the past week I've been called "hinny, bonny lass and pet" numerous times. I actually quite like it....for me it's all about context.
The one phrase I really dislike is hearing men refer to women as "the girls" or vice versa.

Marmight Thu 08-Aug-19 15:47:32

It mostly washes over me but I do object to being referred to as 'we' - have 'we' decided on the menu? Did 'we' enjoy 'our' food etc....makes me feel I should be drooling and wearing incontinence pants.

Hm999 Thu 08-Aug-19 15:54:28

I think most under a certain age see 'you guys' as non-gender specific.

I'm happy to be called anything that's pleasantly meant. Personally I don't like 'madam', it makes me think of shopping with my gran in the 1950s.

As a southerner, my favourite is being called 'hen' - always makes me smile.

JenniferEccles Thu 08-Aug-19 16:00:45

There doesn’t have to be an alternative does there?
What’s wrong with being asked ‘what would you like ‘

I also hate it. I guess it originates from the US .

Doreen5 Thu 08-Aug-19 16:06:37

I hate it! Last time it happened I responded by saying 'I am NOT your guy!'.

angelic Thu 08-Aug-19 16:12:17

Our Grandson’s Primary School, Teacher, kept addressing us Guys! Or you guys!!!
Really grated in me, made it worse knowing that Grandad knows this, and spent the whole time grinning and trying to get my attention, I spent the whole time not looking at him.
(You can imagine the drive home?)

discodiva Thu 08-Aug-19 16:24:15

I was called sweetie by the young woman at our local bakers. Made me smile.

Tweedle24 Thu 08-Aug-19 16:54:24

I have no problem with ‘madam’. I was taught that was the polite way to address a married or older woman.

Unfortunately, words seem to develop their own connotations so ‘madam’ is now someone who runs a brothel. I think the context and tone of voice are more important.

Pat1949 Thu 08-Aug-19 17:19:23

I can’t stand ‘you guys’ either. In fact I don’t like the word guy. Another phrase I hate is ‘fur baby’. It’s a dog, goodness sake.

Esspee Thu 08-Aug-19 17:20:45

For a short time, when calling a company I get work from, one of their office staff kept calling me "my lovely". It set my teeth on edge and I so wanted to complain as it was decidedly unprofessional.
I haven't come in contact with her lately. I rather hope she was fired.

rafichagran Thu 08-Aug-19 17:32:35

Have no problem with it at all. Much more to worry about.

Craicon Thu 08-Aug-19 17:39:27

Over here in the south west of Ireland, a group of two or more is regularly referred to as ‘the lads’ or ‘you guys’.
Initially, it sounded strange and I thought they’d genuinely made a mistake and thought I was a man with my very short hair but it’s common parlance just as love, duck, lass is, in parts of the UK.
I certainly don’t get hung up on it and it just makes me smile nowadays.

Riverwalk Thu 08-Aug-19 17:42:17

As with any form of address it's all about context and how it's said - I don't have a problem with 'you guys', in fact it's preferable to 'girls' which always sounds patronising at our age.

I rather hope she was fired

Esspee I rather hope you're kidding shock

jura2 Thu 08-Aug-19 17:49:07

Just had 3 days away in a lovely place above Montreux- and there were lots of USA tourists- we were asked the question about 5 times 'where are you guys from'? and really did NOT mind at all. Everyone was very friendly and so happy to get some local info. It is an expression from the USA and we just accepted it as such, with a smile.

Grannyrebel Thu 08-Aug-19 17:49:37

Our grandkids called us the fossils for a while after grandparents in a book they were reading! Just makes us laugh. Don't mind "you guys" either.

jura2 Thu 08-Aug-19 17:52:08

DD2 always calls us the 'fossils' - very affectionately- and we don't mind at all.

kwest Thu 08-Aug-19 18:14:08

I like it. when our grandson was three we were looking after him at his own house. We were having dinner when he announced " There is pudding in the fridge and you guys can have some". We thought it was really funny and I have liked the expression since then. When younger people say it to me I feel 'included'.

Orchidlover Thu 08-Aug-19 18:47:57

Hate
awww bless you !

Thingmajig Thu 08-Aug-19 18:54:00

Our 5 year old granddaughter has started using it recently. Yesterday "you guys" (us) had to watch her opening the car door, her latest achievement!!!
It's not a phrase I love, but it's quite sweet on the wee ones lips. grin

lilypollen Thu 08-Aug-19 18:56:34

Just as every supermarket assistant says "have a nice day" "you guys" has caome across the Atlantic. Been travelling to USA for 40 odd years and somehow there the nice day thing has always sounded sincere, here I find it odd. Just being a grumpy old git woman!

Aepgirl Thu 08-Aug-19 19:08:38

When I am out with my female friends we really detest ‘you guys’. We are all female! Some people say ‘hello ladies’ - lovely.

GreenGran78 Thu 08-Aug-19 19:53:41

I don’t care too much what I am called, as long as it is done in a friendly, not patronising way.

Our local hospitals always ask newly admitted patients how they would like to be addressed, and it is then written above their bed and always respected.

My elderly neighbour always says, “Good morning, young lady,” with a twinkle in his eye, when we meet.. He is 86. I am 80!

Grandmama Thu 08-Aug-19 20:32:12

My DDs call us the Oldies or the Wrinklies. It's said by them and accepted by us in good humour. They and the SiLs are wonderful, will do anything for us.

fizzers Thu 08-Aug-19 20:41:25

I don't mind 'you guys' at all